Prime Time America: Fare Thee Well

Readers who have been with All for Hymn for awhile know that I am a fan of Sound of Majesty.

Greg Wheatley, host of that program, also hosts Prime Time America. This is sort of the Christian version of NPR's All Things Considered, and has had a stellar run of 28 years.

Friday marks the end of an era in Christian broadcasting, as this show gives way to alternate programming on Monday.

You can catch the final episode live at moodyradiochicago.fm at 4 pm CT (the local broadcast is on WMBI, 90.1 FM), or you can catch the archive at primetimeamerica.org if you happen to be busy at that time.

Our man Greg will be doing other things for Moody Radio, including producing new episodes of Sound of Majesty.

Ignore the German on this video for now, as poetic liberties reigned in an English translation that rendered this text, "Fare thee well, I bid thee." May the Lord bless the entire crew over at Prime Time America as they transition to new roles.

Please note that audio archives of the show will remain in tact for the forseeable future.

2010 Convention of the LCMS

In general, I keep my denomination's state of being off of my blog. The blog is to expound on the positive aspects of Lutheranism and not to dwell on conflict, politics, etc.

That being said, if you are interested in my opinions on the 2010 Convention Workbook for the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, you can check out my facebook page.

Another benefit to this is that Iggy's facebook friends automatically receive updates to their wall.

When requesting facebook friendship, please add a note to the effect of "I read your blog," so I have some idea as to why you are sending the request.

Easter III (or IV): More Settings of Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.



He makes me lie down in green pastures.



He leads me beside still waters.



He restores my soul.



He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name sake.



Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,



for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.



You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;



You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.



Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me
all the days of my life,



and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Bonse Aba with Psalm 23

Easter III (or IV): Good Shepherd Sunday

The Sunday of the Resurrection marks only the beginning of the Easter Season. The Church has to calendars to go by, one that repeats every year and one that repeats every three years.

On the one-year calendar, Good Shepherd Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of Easter. On the three-year calendar, Good Shepherd Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Easter. Note to the next lectionary comittee, one reason we have a lectionary is so that the church celebrates the same themes on the same day. That's hard when some of us get the Good Shepherd on Easter 3 and the rest on Easter 4.

The readings and psalmody should always include Psalm 23 and John 10.

~~~~~



The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.



My soul He doth restore again
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness
E'en for His own name sake.



Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill;
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod
And staff me comfort still.



My table Thou hast furnished
In presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint
and my cup overflows.



Goodness and mercy all my days
Will surely follow me;
And in God's house forever more
My dwelling place shall be.

Update from All for Hymn

It's a busy Easter Season for me.  New posts will resume around April 25 or so.  For now, here's a little something to enjoy...

Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied
Sing to the Lord a new Song
Hugo Distler

Off Topic: Chicago by Newsreel, 1948

This is Chicago,
Queen of the Great Lakes
and
Wonder City of the Midwest...

Editor's note: If I wasn't doing a music blog, I might be doing a blog about Chicago.

Easter 2: Doubting Thomas

The Easter Season is seven weeks long, beginning with Easter Sunday.

The Great Vigil of Easter marks the end of Lent and Holy Week and ushers in the Easter Season.

In the historic lectionary, the Second Sunday of Easter relates the account of "Doubting Thomas." But why this day? Because the Scriptures tell us that this event happened on the Eighth Day, which would be the Sunday after the Resurrection.

The ancient hymn that retells the account of Doubting Thomas is O Filii et Filiae, or "O Sons and Daughters."

The Church is still exploding with joy on this Sunday, and this hymn features three Alleluias as a refrain.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
O filii et filiae,
Rex caelestis, Rex gloriae
Morte surrexit hodie.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
O sons and daughters,
The King of Heaven, The King of Glory
is risen from the dead today.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Here is the metered translation found in most Lutheran hymnals. Poetic license has been taken with the translation of the first verse. See above for the literal translation. The three Alleluias are to be sung at the beginning and at the end of the hymn. Depending on the arrangement, they may be sung between each verse.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

O sons and daughters of the King,
Whom heavenly hosts in glory sing,
Today the grave has lost its sting!
Alleluia

That Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia!



An angel clad in white they see,
Who sit and speaks unto the three,
"Your Lord will go to Galilee."
Alleluia!

That night the apostles met in fear;
Among them came their master dear
And said, "MY peace be with you here."
Alleluia!



When Thomas first the tidings heard
That they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples’ word.
Alleluia!

"My pierced side, O Thomas, see,
And look upon my hands, my feet;
Not faithless but believing be."
Alleluia!



No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
"You are my Lord and God!" he cried.
Alleluia!

How blest are they who have not seen
And yet whose faith has constant been,
For they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia!



On this most holy day of days
Be laud and jubilee and praise:
To God your hearts and voice raise.
Alleluia!

Special thanks to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hamil, Illinois, and the Chapel of St. Timothy the Learner, which is the LCMS campus ministry at Western Illinois University.

Off Topic: 24 Hour On-line Bible Study!

Over at www.issuesetc.org, you will find a 24 hour Bible Study beginning next Wednesday at 5:00 PM ET and running through Thursday at 5:00 PM ET.

They will spend two hours on different book of the Bible, for a total of 12 books in all! As always, this will be archived on their on-demand page.

Young Talent: WLA Hymn Festival

Here's the choirs of Winnebago Lutheran Academy, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, and their annual hymn festival. This year's festival features the music of Paul Manz. For the program order, click on over to Dale Witte's blog here.

Paul Manz taught at this school during the academic years of 1941-1943.

Upcoming Posts

April 8: A concert from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

April 11: Doubting Thomas makes an appearance in O Filii et Filiae.

Just for Fun: GO, CUBS, GO!!!

Go, Cubs, Go!



~~~~~

Take Me Out To The Ballgame
Harry Caray Style

The Resurrection of Our Lord: Christ Lag in Totesbanden, Part 8

Today All for Hymn features Bach's Easter Cantata (aka Cantata #4), Christ Lag in Totesbanden. The literal English translation is "Christ Lay in Death's Bands." The common metered translation is "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands." It is the Hymn of the Day for Easter Sunday.

Christ Lag in Totesbanden
Cantata #4 by JS Bach
Part 8, Wir Essen Und Leben Wohl

Then let us feast this Easter day
On the true Bread of Heaven;
The Word of grace hath purged away
The old and wicked leaven.
Christ alone our souls will feed;
He is our Meat and Drink indeed;
Faith lives upon no other! Alleluia!

The Resurrection of Our Lord: Christ Lag in Totesbanden, Part 7

Today All for Hymn features Bach's Easter Cantata (aka Cantata #4), Christ Lag in Totesbanden. The literal English translation is "Christ Lay in Death's Bands." The common metered translation is "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands." It is the Hymn of the Day for Easter Sunday.

Christ Lag in Totesbanden
Cantata #4 by JS Bach
Part 7, So Feirn Wir Das Hohe Fest

So let us keep the festival
Where to the Lord invites us;
Christ is Himself the joy of all,
The Sun that warms and lights us.
By His grace He doth impart
Eternal sunshine to the heart;
The night of sin is ended! Alleluia!

The Resurrection of Our Lord: Christ Lag in Totesbanden, Part 6

Today All for Hymn features Bach's Easter Cantata (aka Cantata #4), Christ Lag in Totesbanden. The literal English translation is "Christ Lay in Death's Bands." The common metered translation is "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands." It is the Hymn of the Day for Easter Sunday.

Christ Lag in Totesbanden
Cantata #4 by JS Bach
Part 6, Hier Ist Das Rechte Osterlamm

Here the true Paschal Lamb we see,
Whom God so freely gave us;
He died on the accursed tree—
So strong His love!—to save us.
See, His blood doth mark our door;
Faith points to it, Death passes over,
And Satan cannot harm us. Alleluia!

The Resurrection of Our Lord: Christ Lag in Totesbanden, Part 5

Today All for Hymn features Bach's Easter Cantata (aka Cantata #4), Christ Lag in Totesbanden. The literal English translation is "Christ Lay in Death's Bands." The common metered translation is "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands." It is the Hymn of the Day for Easter Sunday.

Christ Lag in Totesbanden
Cantata #4 by JS Bach
Part 5, Es War Ein Wunderlicher Krieg

It was a strange and dreadful strife
When life and death contended;
The victory remained with life;
The reign of death was ended.
Stripped of power, no more it reigns,
An empty form alone remains
Death’s sting is lost forever! Alleluia!

The Resurrection of Our Lord: Christ Lag in Totesbanden, Part 4

Today All for Hymn features Bach's Easter Cantata (aka Cantata #4), Christ Lag in Totesbanden. The literal English translation is "Christ Lay in Death's Bands." The common metered translation is "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands." It is the Hymn of the Day for Easter Sunday.

Christ Lag in Totesbanden
Cantata #4 by JS Bach
Part 4, Jesus Christus, Gottes Sohn

But Jesus Christ, God’s only Son,
To our low state descended,
The cause of Death He has undone,
His power forever ended,
Ruined all his right and claim
And left him nothing but the name,
His sting is lost forever. Alleluia!

The Resurrection of Our Lord: Christ Lag in Totesbanden, Part 3

Today All for Hymn features Bach's Easter Cantata (aka Cantata #4), Christ Lag in Totesbanden. The literal English translation is "Christ Lay in Death's Bands." The common metered translation is "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands." It is the Hymn of the Day for Easter Sunday.

Christ Lag in Totesbanden
Cantata #4 by JS Bach
Part 3, Den Tod Niemand Zwingen Kunnt

No son of man could conquer Death,
Such mischief sin had wrought us,
For innocence dwelt not on earth,
And therefore Death had brought us
Into thralldom from of old
And ever grew more strong and bold
And kept us in his bondage. Alleluia!

The Resurrection of Our Lord: Christ Lag in Totesbanden, Part 2

Today All for Hymn features Bach's Easter Cantata (aka Cantata #4), Christ Lag in Totesbanden. The literal English translation is "Christ Lay in Death's Bands." The common metered translation is "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands." It is the Hymn of the Day for Easter Sunday.

Christ Lag in Totesbanden
Cantata #4 by JS Bach
Part 2, Christ Lag In Todesbanden

Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands,
For our offenses given;
But now at God’s right hand He stands,
And brings us life from Heaven.
Wherefore let us joyful be,
And sing to God right thankfully
Loud songs of Alleluia! Alleluia!

The Resurrection of Our Lord: Christ Lag in Totesbanden, Part 1

Today All for Hymn features Bach's Easter Cantata (aka Cantata #4), Christ Lag in Totesbanden. The literal English translation is "Christ Lay in Death's Bands." The common metered translation is "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands." It is the Hymn of the Day for Easter Sunday.

Christ Lag in Totesbanden
Cantata #4 by JS Bach
Part 1, Sinfonia

The Great Vigil of Easter: The Divine Service

The Church is still waiting to proclaim its alleluias.  She observed the service of Light.  She proclaimed the history of the People of Israel.  She baptized the catechumens.  And finally the ancient Easter Acclamation is proclaimed.

The celebrant proclaims
ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!

The congregation responds
HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!

All lights in the sanctuary are turned on. Every bell in the church should be played at random. If there are handbells available, they should be used. If the organ has a zimbelstern or chimes, they may be used. The congregants may bring their own bells from home and ring them as well. The Church is ringing in the Resurrection of our Lord!

The singing of the Gloria is next. The Church has not sung this since the last Sunday of the Epiphany Season. Some Lutherans will substitute This is the Feast, but the historic tradition is to sing the Gloria. The bells may continue through the Gloria, or they may conclude prior to it. In the video below, the bells begin ringing while Celebrant intones the Gloria. At this parish, the Gloria is sung in Latin.

The Collect is spoken and there is one more reading, the Resurrection account according to Mark. It is very brief. The sermon follows, and it should be brief as well. The Hymn of the Day is "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands."

Here's the organ prelude by JS Bach on this tune.

And here is a section from his cantata on this hymn. Look for the entire cantata later today.

The offering and prayers of the Church are given. The Liturgy of the Sacrament is sung in full. The catechumens, now instructed and baptized, will receive the Lord's Body and Blood for the first time.

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!
HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!

The Great Vigil of Easter: The Service of Holy Baptism

In the early church, baptisms were held at specific points in the year. Easter Vigil being the chief service for baptisms, followed by Pentecost Sunday and perhaps the Day of Epiphany.

There is much that divides the Church regarding baptism. Some believe baptism imparts faith, others believe you must have faith in order to be baptized. Some believe it must be done by immersion, others are not concerned with the mode, only that it get done.

Here are some important Scripture verses on the topic:

Romans 6:1-4

What shall we say then?
Are we to continue in sin
that grace may abound?
By no means!
How can we who died to sin
still live in it?
Do you not know that all of us
who have been baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into his death?
We were buried therefore with him
by baptism into death,
in order that,
just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father,
we too might walk in newness of life.

~~~~~

Colossians 2:8-15

See to it that no one takes you captive
by philosophy and empty deceit,
according to human tradition,
according to the elemental spirits of the world,
and not according to Christ.
For in him the whole fullness of deity
dwells bodily,
and you have been filled in him,
who is the head of all rule and authority.
In him also you were circumcised
with a circumcision made without hands,
by putting off the body of the flesh,
by the circumcision of Christ,
having been buried with him in baptism,
in which you were also raised with him
through faith in the powerful working of God,
who raised him from the dead.
And you, who were dead in your trespasses
and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
God made alive together with him,
having forgiven us all our trespasses,
by canceling the record of debt
that stood against us with its legal demands.
This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
He disarmed the rulers and authorities
and put them to open shame,
by triumphing over them in him.

~~~~~

Titus 3:4-6

But when the goodness and loving kindness
of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us,
not because of works done by us in righteousness,
but according to his own mercy,
by the washing of regeneration
and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
whom he poured out on us richly
through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that being justified by his grace
we might become heirs
according to the hope of eternal life.

~~~~~

1 Peter 3:18-21

For Christ also suffered once for sins,
the righteous for the unrighteous,
that he might bring us to God,
being put to death in the flesh
but made alive in the spirit,
in which he went and proclaimed
to the spirits in prison,
because they formerly did not obey,
when God's patience waited
in the days of Noah,
while the ark was being prepared,
in which a few, that is, eight persons,
were brought safely through water.
Baptism, which corresponds to this,
now saves you,
not as a removal of dirt from the body
but as an appeal to God
for a good conscience,
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

~~~~~

I bring these Scriptures to light in order to emphasize what the Small Catechism has to say about Baptism.

First. What is Baptism?

Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's command and connected with God's Word.

Which is that Word of God?

Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go ye into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Secondly. What does Baptism give or profit?

It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Which are such words and promises of God?

Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

How can water do such great things?

It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is simple water and no baptism. But with the word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost, as St. Paul says, Titus, chapter three: By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.

Fourthly. What does such baptizing with water signify?

It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, again, a new man daily come forth and arise; who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?

St. Paul says Romans, chapter 6: We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Now for the mode of Baptism. Sprinkling? Immersion? Lutherans have never been concerned with the mode of Baptism. We have only been concerned with getting the job done! Immersion is not offensive to us. The insistence on immersion is.

Immersion is a beautiful way to capture the above scripture text from Colossians:

having been buried with him in baptism,
in which you were also raised with him

In the historic Christian tradition, infants are baptized shortly after birth, while adults are first instructed in the faith and then baptized. Adults who are being instructed before baptism are called "catechumens." Infant baptism is practiced only when adults are stepping up to the plate to raise the child in the Church and see to it that the child is catechized properly.

Here is an amazing video of immersion baptisms at the Great Vigil of Easter. There isn't much detail over on youtube. It appears to be a remote place, perhaps tropical like an island or something. Take note that the archbishop and deacon are standing in dry places. The catechumens go into the baptistry FULLY CLOTHED! The deacon, it appears, is given a card with the name of the catechumen on it, and presents it to the archbishop so he knows who he is baptizing. Perhaps this is a mission post. There are many, many, many catechumens!

In the Lutheran Rite, the baptism does not need to be administered by a bishop or archbishop. The local pastor is given this authority by virtue of his call to the local parish.

This is a blog about hymns, and the hymn in the above video does not particularly speak to Baptism. Even though there are many being baptized, the congregation serves as witnesses to this, and they must be able to hear the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" no matter how many are being baptized. There is a liturgical text that may be sung as a response to the Baptism. Youtube footage was not available, though.

You have put on Christ;

In Him you were baptized.

This is known as the Baptismal Acclamation. The short song may be repeated as many times as is needed. You can let a few Alleluias slip in here, too. It should not be sung during the baptism, but after it. Perhaps as the newly baptize return to their seats, or during the Sprinkling Rite.

Speaking of Sprinkling Rites, Lutherans do not have official "holy water." That being said, Lutherans are to remember their Baptism, and one way to do that is through a sprinkling rite. Good catechesis needs to precede such a rite, especially if the consecrated baptismal water is used. It needs to be explained that they are not being re-baptized, that one baptism is all that is necessary, and that this is a remembrance of the saving act of baptism.

Here is video of a sprinkling rite in a Roman Catholic parish in Schenectady, NY. In this parish, "This is the Feast" is sung during the rite. Lutherans would hold off on singing that until after the sprinkling rite. More on that in the next post...

The Great Vigil of Easter: The Service of Readings

As the lights in the sanctuary are partially turned on, the Service of Readings is begun. Nine readings are appointed for this part of the service. They recount the history of the ancient people of Israel. Canticles are often found as part of the readings, and are typically chanted after said reading.

For instance, the history of God's People crossing the Red Sea is read. The Canticle of Moses, aka "Song of Moses" or "Song of Moses and Israel," is found at the end of the reading. It would then be sung by a cantor or choir. You can find the Canticle of Moses in Lutheran Service Book, Hymn 925. It is set with a refrain, so the congregation may sing just that in the dimly lit sanctuary, and a cantor can sing the verses.

Here is the Coptic Rite from Egypt singing the Canticle of Moses. Note: Western Rite churches would not yet sing "alleluia." They gave it up for Lent and are saving it for later in the service. We in the West are rarely treated to Coptic psalm tones. Enjoy!

Another example is the reading of the Three Men in the Fiery Furnace. In the apocryphal chapters of Daniel, we find the Canticle of Three Young Men, aka "The Song of Three Young Men." Look for setting of this canticle in Lutheran Service Book. The Jamaican version is Hymn 930, and a more traditional chant is found at Hymn 931. Both have a refrain that is easily learned. I happen to like the Jamaican setting!

You may already be familiar with the Jamaican tune. It is also sung to the text, "Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ." Here is the tune played by a handbell choir.

And here is a choral setting of the Canticle of Three Young Men.

The Great Vigil of Easter: The Service of Light

The Great Vigil of Easter is held on the eve of Easter Sunday. Properly done, it happens after dark. The Eastern Church has been known to meet at midnight and celebrate clear through til sunrise. This is because we know that Christ rose before sunrise, but we do not know exactly when.
The Great Vigil is four services celebrated as one...

• The Service of Light (an expansion of the one used in Evening Prayer)
• The Service of Readings
• The Service of Holy Baptism
• The Divine Service

The Great Vigil of Easter begins outside the church with a fire.

Here's the beginning of the service at a Roman Catholic church in Flushing, New York.  Perhaps due to local ordinance, the fire is lit inside. The Lutheran Rite is very similar. The Pascal Candle is lit. There should probably be a post devoted entirely to the Pascal Candle. Perhaps next year.

After the candle is lit, it is processed into the darkened sanctuary. At the rear of the church the cantor chants, "The Light of Christ," or in this case, "Christ is our Light" and the people respond, "Thanks be to God." Those in the darkened sanctuary are holding candles that will be lit by the Pascal Candle as it passes by. The procession stops midway up the aisle and the responses are repeated. The procession stops a third time at the front of the church for the third repetition of "The Light of Christ - Thanks be to God!"

As the procession is finished, the cantor chants the Exsultet. This is Latin for "exult" or "rejoice." The first word of the English translation is "rejoice." The first word when it is sung in Latin is "exsultet."

Here's the procession with lighting of candles and Exsultet as celebrated in Brooklyn, NY, probably at a Roman Catholic parish. You can watch the spread of the flickering lights in the darkness. The timing of the responses is a little different than described above. At the end of the Exsultet the lights come up just a little, but not fully, for the Service of Readings.

Holy Saturday: St. John's Passion, Part 40

We have reached the finale of St. John's Passion. Here Bach uses the third and final stanza of Herzlich lieb hab ich dich, o Herr, or "Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart." For more information on this particular hymn, check out Southern Lutheran Kantor here.

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Part 40

~~~~~

Ach Herr, lass dein lieb Engelein
Am letzten End die Seele mein
In Abrahams Schoß tragen,
Den Leib in seim Schlafkämmerlein
Gar sanft ohn eigne Qual und Pein
Ruhn bis am jüngsten Tage!
Alsdenn vom Tod erwecke mich,
Dass meine Augen sehen dich
In aller Freud, o Gottes Sohn,
Mein Heiland und Genadenthron!
Herr Jesu Christ, erhöre mich, erhöre mich,
Ich will dich preisen ewiglich!

Lord, let at last Thine angels come,
To Abr’ham’s bosom bear me home,
That I may die unfearing;
And in its narrow chamber keep
My body safe in peaceful sleep
Until Thy reappearing!
And then from death awaken me,
That these mine eyes with joy may see,
O Son of God, Thy glorious face,
My Savior and my fount of grace!
Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend, my prayer attend,
And I will praise Thee without end!



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Saturday: St. John's Passion, Part 39

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Part 39

~~~~~

Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine,
Die ich nun weiter nicht beweine,
Ruht wohl und bringt auch mich zur Ruh!
Das Grab, so euch bestimmet ist
Und ferner keine Not umschließt,
Macht mir den Himmel auf und schließt die Hölle zu.

Rest well, you holy bones,
For which I will no longer weep,
Rest well and bring me to rest also!
You are destined to the grave
where no anguish surrounds You,
Open up heaven and close off hell for me.



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Saturday: St. John's Passion, Parts 36, 37 and 38

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 36, 37 and 38

~~~~~

Als sie aber zu Jesu kamen,
da sie sahen, dass er schon gestorben war,
brachen sie ihm die Beine nicht;
sondern der Kriegsknechte einer eröffnete
seine Seite mit einem Speer,
und alsobald ging Blut und Wasser heraus.

But when they came to Jesus,
They had seen that He was already dead,
they did not break His legs;
but one of the soldiers opened up
His side with a spear,
and and immediately blood and water came out.



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Saturday: St. John's Passion, Part 35

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Part 35

~~~~~

Zerfließe, mein Herze, in Fluten der Zähren
Dem Höchsten zu Ehren!
Erzähle der Welt und dem Himmel die Not:
Dein Jesus ist tot!

Melt away, my heart, in floods of tears
to the highest praise!
Tell the world and the heavens of your anguish:
Your Jesus is dead!



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Saturday: St. John's Passion, Parts 32, 33 and 34

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 32, 33 and 34

~~~~~

Und siehe da, der Vorhang im Tempel
zerriss in zwei Stück
von oben an bis unten aus.

And behold, the curtain in the temple
was torn into two pieces
from the top down to the bottom.



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Saturday: St. John's Passion, Parts 27c, 28, 29, 30 and 31

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 27c, 28, 29, 30 and 31

~~~~~

Es ist vollbracht!
IT IS FINISHED!



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Saturday: St. John's Passion, Parts 24, 25, 26, 27a and 27b

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 24, 25, 26, 27a and 27b

~~~~~

Spricht Pilatus zu ihnen:
Soll ich euren König kreuzigen?
Die Hohenpriester antworteten:
Wir haben keinen König denn den Kaiser!

Pilate spoke to them:
Shall I crucify your king?
The high priests answered:
We have no king but Caesar!

Und er trug sein Kreuz
und ging hinaus zur Stätte,
die da heißet Schädelstätt,
welche heißet auf Ebräisch:
Golgatha.

And He boar His cross
and went forth to the site,
which is named "The Place of the Skull,"
which in named in Hebrew:
Golgatha.

Allda kreuzigten sie ihn,
und mit ihm zween andere
zu beiden Seiten,
Jesum aber mitten inne.

There they crucified Him,
and with him two others
on either side,
with Jesus in the middle.



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Saturday: St. John's Passion, Parts 21, 22 and 23

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 21, 22 and 23

~~~~~

Und die Kriegsknechte flochten
eine Krone von Dornen
und satzten sie auf sein Haupt
und legten ihm ein Purpurkleid an
und sprachen:
Sei gegrüßet, lieber Jüdenkönig!
Und gaben ihm Backenstreiche.

And the soldiers braided
a crown of thorns
and sat it on His head
and put a purple robe on Him
and said,
Hail, dear King of the Jews!
and gave him blows to the back.



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Saturday: St. John's Passion, Part 20

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Part 20

Erwäge, wie sein blutgefärbter Rücken
In allen Stücken
Dem Himmel gleiche geht,
Because, nachdem die Wasserwogen
Von unsrer Sündflut sich verzogen,
Der allerschönste Regenbogen
Als Gottes Gnadenzeichen steht!

Consider how His blood-stained back
in every way
goes to the same heaven,
There, after the waters and waves
Of our Great Flood are settled,
The all-beautiful rainbow
Stands as a symbol of God's grace!



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Good Friday: St. John's Passion, Part 19

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Part 19

~~~~~
Betrachte, meine Seel,
Mit ängstlichem Vergnügen,
Mit bittrer Lust und halb beklemmtem Herzen
Dein höchstes Gut in Jesu Schmerzen,
Wie dir auf Dornen, so ihn stechen,
Die Himmelsschlüsselblumen blühn!
Du kannst viel süße Frucht
von seiner Wermut brechen
Drum sieh ohn Unterlass auf ihn!

Behold, my soul,
With anxious pleasure,
With bitter passion and half-oppressed heart,
Your highest good in Jesus' torments,
How for you the thorns that stab Him
Bloom as keys to heaven's flowers!
You can pluck much sweet fruit
From His wormwood,
Therefore look on Him unceasingly!



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Good Friday: St. John's Passion, Parts 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18

~~~~~

Christus, der uns selig macht,
Kein Bös' hat begangen,
Der ward für uns in der Nacht
Als ein Dieb gefangen,
Geführt für gottlose Leut
Und fälschlich verklaget,
Verlacht, verhöhnt und verspeit,
Wie denn die Schrift saget.

Christ, who made us blessed,
has done no wrong,
He was for us in the night
Caught like a thief,
Taken before a godless mob
and falsely accused,
mocked, scorned and spit on,
Just as the Scripture says.



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Good Friday: St. John's Passion, Parts 10, 11, 12 and 13

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 10, 11, 12 and 13

~~~~~

Ich, ich und meine Sünden,
Die sich wie Körnlein finden
Des Sandes an dem Meer,
Die haben dir erreget
Das Elend, das dich schläget,
Und das betrübte Marterheer.

I, I and my sins,
those which are like grains
of sand beside the sea,
These have awakened in you
the sorrow the strikes you,
And the distressing torment.



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Good Friday: St. John's Passion, Parts 7, 8, and 9

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 7, 8, and 9

~~~~~

Von den Stricken meiner Sünden
Mich zu entbinden,
Wird mein Heil gebunden.
Mich von allen Lasterbeulen
Völlig zu heilen,
Läßt er sich verwunden.

From the bondage of my sins
to release me,
My Savior is bound.
From all my bulging vices
fully to save,
He lets himself be wounded.




~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Good Friday: St. John's Passion, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

~~~~~

O große Lieb, o Lieb ohn alle Maße,
Die dich gebracht auf diese Marterstraße
Ich lebte mit der Welt in Lust und Freuden,
Und du musst leiden.

O great love, O love beyond all measure,
Which you have brought along this path of torment,
I live in this world of lust and pleasure,
And you must suffer.



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Good Friday: St. John's Passion, Part 1

The Gospel reading for Good Friday is the Passion of our Lord according to St. John. JS Bach took the scripture text and incorporated hymn texts in between. Note to conductors everywhere: the hymn texts are to be sung by the congregation (or audience). The posts for St. John's Passion will run every 2 hours through 6:00 pm on Holy Saturday.

The Passion according to St. John
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Part 1

~~~~~

Herr, unser Herrscher, dessen Ruhm
In allen Landen herrlich ist!
Zeig uns durch deine Passion,
Dass du, der wahre Gottessohn,
Zu aller Zeit,
Auch in der größten Niedrigkeit,
Verherrlicht worden bist!

O Lord, our Lord, your majesty
is glorious in all the land!
Show us during your Passion
That you, the very Son of God,
Through all time,
Also in the great lowliness,
have become magnified!




~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.
For the complete text in English, click here.

Maundy Thursday: Stripping of the Altar with Deacon Dulas

Tradition holds that the altar and its area are stripped at the end of the Maundy Thursday service. Deacon Dulas provides the historic Lutheran rite for us.

~~~~~

The Rite of Stripping of the Altar

The Service concludes with the Benedicamus, there is no Benediction, then the Celebrant chants the Antiphon and the first half of the first verse of Psalm 22, then the choir continues the chanting of the rest of the psalm.

The Celebrant, assisted by the Deacon and Subdeacon, strip the Altar. The communion vessels are removed first, followed by the altar cross, missal stand, altar candles, altar paraments, pulpit and lectern paraments, chancel candles and candle stands, chancel banners, chancel flowers, and any other items of liturgical use or adornment remaining in the chancel.

If the psalm ends before the stripping of the Altar is finished, the psalm is repeated until the stripping is finished.

When the stripping is finished, the verse of the psalm that the choir is chanting is completed, and then the Celebrant chants the closing antiphon.

Afterwards, everyone leaves in silence.

Antiphon, Psalm Tone 2
Chanted by the Celebrant

THEY DI- || vide My garments a- | mong | them, *
And for My clothing | they | cast | lots.

Psalm 22, Psalm Tone 2
Verse one is chanted responsively by the celebrant and congregation. The choir sings the remaining verses.

Celebrant:
MY GOD, || My God, why have You for- | sa-ken ∙ | Me? *
Congregation:
Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of | My | groan- | ing?

Choir:
|| O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not | hear; | - *
And in the night season, and am | not | si- | lent.

|| But You are | ho- | ly, *
Enthroned in the praises of | Is- | ra- | el.

|| Our fathers trusted in | You; | - *
They trusted, and You deliv- | er- | ed | them.

|| They cri-ed to You, and were de- | li-ver- ∙ | ed; *
They trusted in You, and were not | a- | sham- | ed.

|| But I am a worm, and no | man; | - *
A reproach of men, and despis-ed by | the | peo- | ple.

|| All those who see Me ridicule | Me; | - *
They shoot out the lip, they shake the | head, | say- | ing,

|| “He trust-ed in the Lord, let Him | res-cue ∙ | Him; *
Let Him deliver Him, since He de- | lights | in | Him!”

|| But You are He who took Me out of the | womb; | - *
You made Me trust while on My | mo- | ther’s | breasts.

|| I was cast upon You from | birth. | - *
From My mother’s womb You have | been | My | God.

|| Be not far from Me, for trouble is | near; | - *
For there is | none | to | help.

|| Many bulls have surrounded | Me; | - *
Strong bulls of Bashan have en- | cir- | cled | Me.

|| They gape at Me with their | mouths, | - *
Like a raging and roar- | ing | li- | on.

|| I am poured out like wa -ter, (+) and all My bones are out of | joint; | - *
My heart is like wax; It has melt-ed | with- | in | Me.

|| My strength is dried up like a pot -sherd, (+) and My tongue clings to My | jaws; | - *
You have brought Me to the | dust | of | death.

|| For dogs have surround-ed Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclos-ed | Me. | - *
They pierced My hands | and | My | feet;

|| I can count all My | bones. | - *
They look and | stare | at | Me.

|| They divide My garments a- | mong | them, *
And for My clothing | they | cast | lots.

|| But You, O Lord, do not be far from | Me; | - *
O My Strength, hasten | to | help | Me!

|| Deliver Me from the | sword, | - *
My precious life from the power | of | the | dog.

|| Save Me from the lion’s | mouth | - *
And from the horns of the wild oxen! You have | an- | swered | Me.

|| I will declare Your name to My | breth- | ren; *
In the midst of the assembly I | will | praise | You.

|| You who fear the Lord, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify | Him, | - *
And fear Him, all you offspring of | Is- | ra- | el!

|| For He has not despise-ed nor abhor-red the affliction of the af- | flict- | ed; *
Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cri-ed to | Him, | He | heard.

|| My praise shall be of You in the great as- | semb- | ly; *
I will pay My vows before those | who | fear | Him.

|| The poor shall eat and be satis- | fi- | ed; *
Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live | for- | ev- | er!

|| All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the | Lord,
| - *
And all the families of the nations shall worship | be- | fore | You.

|| For the kingdom is the | Lord’s, | - *
And He rules over | the | na- | tions.

|| All the prosperous of the earth shall eat and | wor- | ship; *
All those who go down to the dust shall bow before Him, even he who cannot keep him- | self | a- | live.

|| A posterity shall | serve | Him. *
It will be recount-ed of the Lord to the next gen- | er- | a- | tion,

|| They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be | born, | - *
That He | has | done | this.

There is no Gloria Patri. Repeat the Psalm as many times as necessary.

Antiphon, Psalm Tone 2
Chanted by the Celebrant

THEY DI- || vide My garments a- | mong | them, *
And for My clothing | they | cast | lots.

Silent Prayer

Leave in Silence

After everyone has left, and a convenient time before Good Friday services, the Altars are washed down with water by the clergy.

~~~~~

Stripping of the Altar
with Antiphon and Psalm 22
chanted in Latin



~~~~~

Antiphon and Psalm 22
chanted in Latin
with English translation



~~~~~

Deacon Dulas is ordained into the pastorate and member of the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America (eldona.org).  In his own words, "My call is to serve as deacon and missionary-at-large to MN and WI at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Tony, WI.  We are starting a mission here in Mayer, MN, and the surrounding area called St. Matthew Ev. Luth. Mission."

Like what you are reading? Check out Deacon Dulas' blog at The Deacon's Didache.

Maundy Thursday: Washing of Feet with Deacon Dulas, Part 3

The foot-washing ended, the Celebrant washes and dries his hands, saying nothing. The Celebrant then takes off the towel and then he, and the Deacon and Subdeacon all put back on their maniples, and the Celebrant his chasuble, and they proceed to the midst of the Altar.

The Celebrant then chants the Lord’s Prayer:

Editor's Note: The Lord's Prayer provided by Deacon Dulas is similar to that of LSB 957.  The prayer featured below is chanted to a different tone in Aramaic.

~~~~~

Then the following Versicles are chanted by the Celebrant. The people chant the response:

V: And lead us not into temptation
R: But deliver us from evil.

V: Thou hast commanded Thy commandments, O Lord,
R: To be kept most diligently.

V: Thou hast washed the feet of Thy disciples.
R: Despise not the work of Thy hands.

The Celebrant chants the Collect:

V: The Lord be with you.
R: And with thy spirit.

V: Let us pray. Be present, O Lord, we beseech Thee, at the performance of our service: and since Thou didst vouchsafe to wash the feet of Thy disciples, despise not the work of Thy hands, which Thou hast commanded us to retain: that as here the outward stains are washed away by us and from us, so the inward sins of us all may be blotted out by Thee. Which do Thou vouchsafe to grant; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

The people respond, chanting:
R: Amen.

Following the prayer, the twelve men, after genuflecting to the Altar and bowing to the Celebrant are escorted back to their seats by the Deacon and Subdeacon.
While they are doing this, the chairs are removed, along with the table, water basin, ewer and towel by the acolytes, in preparation for the Holy Mass.

The Service continues with the Offertory.

~~~~~

Deacon Dulas is ordained into the pastorate and member of the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America (eldona.org).  In his own words, "My call is to serve as deacon and missionary-at-large to MN and WI at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Tony, WI.  We are starting a mission here in Mayer, MN, and the surrounding area called St. Matthew Ev. Luth. Mission."

Like what you are reading? Check out Deacon Dulas' blog at The Deacon's Didache.

Maundy Thursday: Washing of Feet with Deacon Dulas, Part 2

The rite continues with the next Antiphon.

Antiphon 4, Psalm Tone 5: St. John 13:6-7, 8

“LORD, ARE || You washing my feet?” Jesus | an-swered ∙ | him, *
“If I do not wash you, you have | no | part | with | Me.”

THEN HE || came to Simon | Pe- | ter. *
And Pe-| ter | said | to | Him,

“LORD, ARE || You washing my feet?” Jesus | an-swered ∙ | him, *
“If I do not wash you, you have | no | part | with | Me.”

“WHAT I || am doing you do not understand | now, | - *
but you will | know | af- | ter | this.”

“LORD, ARE || You washing my feet?” Jesus | an-swered ∙ | him, *
“If I do not wash you, you have | no | part | with | Me.”

~~~~~

Antiphon 5, Psalm Tone 4: St. John 13:14; Psalm 49:1

IF I - || then, your Lord and Teacher, | have | washed | your | feet, *
you also ought to wash | one | a- | no- | ther’s | feet.

HEAR THIS, - | - | all | — | peo- | ples; *
Give ear, all inhab- | i- | tants | of | the | world,

IF I - || then, your Lord and Teacher, | have | washed | your | feet, *
you also ought to wash | one | a- | no- | ther’s | feet.

~~~~~

Antiphon 6, Psalm Tone 7: St. John 13:35

“BY - THIS - || all will know that you are | My - | dis- | ci- |
ples, - *
if you have love for | one | a- | no- | ther.” -

JE- - SUS - || - | said - | — | — | — - *
to | His | dis- | ci- | ples, -

“BY - THIS - || all will know that you are | My - | dis- | ci- |
ples, - *
if you have love for | one | a- | no- | ther.” -

~~~~~

Antiphon 7, Psalm Tone 7: 1 Corinthians 13:13

LET – THERE - || abide in you faith, | hope, - | love, | these | three; - *
but the greatest | of | these | is | love. -

AND - NOW - || abide faith, | hope, - | love, | these | three; - *
but the greatest | of | these | is | love. -

LET – THERE - || abide in you faith, | hope, - | love, | these | three; - *
but the greatest | of | these | is | love. -

~~~~~

Antiphon 8, Psalm Tone 6: Liturgical Text

WHERE CHAR- - || ity and | love | are | found, *
there | God | ev- - | er | is.

THE LOVE - || of Christ has joined us into one. Let us rejoice and be | glad | in | Him. *
Let us fear and let us love the Living God. Let us love one another in sincer- | i- | ty - | of | heart.

WHERE CHAR- - || ity and | love | are | found, *
there | God | ev- - | er | is.

WHEN, THERE- - || fore, we are joined together: Let us not be divided | in | spi- | rit. *
Let all malicious wrangling and contentions cease. And let Christ our God be in | the | midst - | of | us.

WHERE CHAR- - || ity and | love | are | found, *
there | God | ev- - | er | is.

SO MAY - || we with the saints see forever in glory the light of Your countenance, O | Christ | our | God. *
Joy that is infinite and undefil-ed forever and | ev- | er. - | A- | men.

Editor's Note: Here is the Maurice Duruflé setting of Antiphon 8. In Latin, it is called Ubi Caritas. Other settings are also available, including the metered version in LSB (Hymn 845).



~~~~~

Deacon Dulas is ordained into the pastorate and member of the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America (eldona.org).  In his own words, "My call is to serve as deacon and missionary-at-large to MN and WI at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Tony, WI.  We are starting a mission here in Mayer, MN, and the surrounding area called St. Matthew Ev. Luth. Mission."

Like what you are reading? Check out Deacon Dulas' blog at The Deacon's Didache.

Maundy Thursday: Washing of Feet with Deacon Dulas, Part 1

All for Hymn friend Deacon Jerry Dulas has provided the Rite of Foot-Washing that will be done at his parish.

~~~~~

The Rite of Foot-Washing for Maundy Thursday

The Rite of Foot-washing takes place following the sermon.

Before the service, twelve chairs, or two small benches, are placed in front of the chancel, six on a side, facing each other. Next to these is placed a small table covered with a white linen, large enough to hold a water basin, ewer, and towel.

After the sermon, the Celebrant, Deacon, and Subdeacon, having reverenced the Altar, remove their maniples, and the Celebrant also removes his chasuble. He goes to the sedilia and waits for the Deacon and Subdeacon to direct the ones to receive the foot-washing to their places.

Twelve men, chosen from the congregation, dressed in albs and barefoot, are directed by the Deacon and Subdeacon to approach the chancel two at a time. Genuflecting to the Altar, and bowing to the Celebrant at his sedilia, they take their seats in the chairs prepared for them. Meanwhile, the choir begins to chant the Antiphons recorded below.

When all take their places, the Celebrant goes to middle of the chancel, bows to the Altar, then he goes to the table and wraps the towel around his waist. With the assistance of the Deacon and Subdeacon he washes the feet of each man in the following manner:

The Celebrant kneels before each man, then the Subdeacon lifts the right foot of the one who is to be washed. Two acolytes assist with the water basin and ewer, one places the water basin under the foot, and the other hands the ewer to the Celebrant who washes the foot. The Deacon then hands the towel to the Celebrant, who dries the foot.

When the foot-washing draws to a close, the eighth antiphon is started. If the foot washing finishes before all the antiphons are sung, the ones preceding the eighth antiphon are omitted. The eighth antiphon is always sung. If all antiphons have been sung, and the foot-washing is still going on, the antiphons are repeated from the first one, until the foot-washing completes, then the eighth antiphon concludes the rite, as stated above.

Antiphon 1, Psalm Tone 3: St. John 13:34; Psalm 119:1

A NEW || commandment I give to you, that you love | one | a- | no- - | ther; *
as I have loved you, that you also love one | a- | no- | ther. -

BLESS- ED || are the undefil- | ed | in | the - | way, *
Who walk in the law | of | the | Lord! -

A NEW || commandment I give to you, that you love | one | a- | no- - | ther; *
as I have loved you, that you also love one | a- | no- | ther. -

~~~~~

Antiphon 2, Psalm Tone 4: St. John 13:4-5, 15; Psalm 48:1

AF- TER -- || supper, our Lord rose, poured water in- | to | a | ba- | sin, *
and began to wash the disciples’ feet. This ex- | am- | ple | He | left | them.

GREAT IS -- || the Lord, and greatly | to | be | prais- | ed *
In the city of our God, in | His | ho- | ly | moun- | tain.

AF- TER -- || supper, our Lord rose, poured water in- | to | a | ba- | sin, *
and began to wash the disciples’ feet. This ex- | am- | ple | He | left | them.

V: Lord, hear my prayer.
R: And let my cry come unto Thee.

~~~~~

Antiphon 3, Psalm Tone 2: St. John 13:12-13, 15; Psalm 85:1

THE LORD || Jesus, after He had supped with His disciples, and washed their | feet, | - *
He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you, Your Teacher and Lord? I have given you an example, that you should do as I have | done | to | you.”

LORD, YOU || have been favorable to Your | land; | - *
You have brought back the captivity | of | Ja- | cob.

THE LORD || Jesus, after He had supped with His disciples, and washed their | feet, | - *
He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you, Your Teacher and Lord? I have given you an example, that you should do as I have | done | to | you.”

~~~~~

Here is the Rite of Foot-Washing in a Romanian Orthodox Church. I was unable to locate a Lutheran Rite. The video begins with the celebrant wrapping the towel around his waist.

~~~~~

Deacon Dulas is ordained into the pastorate and member of the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America (eldona.org).  In his own words, "My call is to serve as deacon and missionary-at-large to MN and WI at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Tony, WI.  We are starting a mission here in Mayer, MN, and the surrounding area called St. Matthew Ev. Luth. Mission."

Like what you are reading? Check out Deacon Dulas' blog at The Deacon's Didache.

Maundy Thursday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 67 and 68

Parts 67 and 68 close out Bach's St. Matthew's Passion. Later today All for Hymn will focus on the events of Maundy Thursday.

The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 67 and 68



~~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Maundy Thursday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 65 and 66

At the conclusion of St. Matthew's Passion, today's posts will focus on the events of Maundy Thursday.

The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 65 and 66



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.